My Joe...

My Joe…

… loves the Lord
… loves our babies
… has a ton of patience
… has never says an ill word to or about me
… provides for our family without complaint
… is a big supporter of my interests
… doesn't say a thing when the house is destroyed
… has a heart bigger than anything I can fathom
… honors me in everything he does
… puts us first all the time, almost to a fault
… lets me be me
… is so handy around the house and has lots of tools
… loves my family like his own
… is incredibly loyal
… never complains about my cooking or cleaning (or lack thereof!)
… is very affectionate with me and our children
… is very adept at his job and provides richly for us
… values people over things
… has never ever yelled at me in anger
… thinks of unique solutions to problems
… is a heck of a kisser
… is hilarious
… never tires of helping me, even loading my dishwasher at 10 pm
… always takes the trash out without being asked
… is well regarded by his peers at work and valued by his patients
… has a warm, manly voice
... is so handsome
… tries to be his best self every single day
… loves me like I've never been loved before
... always gives me the benefit of the doubt
... is brilliant and I love his ideas
... is very protective of my sleep, and my quite time.
… is kind to everyone...everyone!
… is generous and wouldn't ever begrudge anyone in need of anything he has
… just gets me
… is a protector
… is fun
… is my best friend
… knows something about EVERYTHING
… is up for just about anything
… is my love.

Happy 4th Anniversary, Sweetie! I love you sooooo much!

A 12-year-old speaks out on abortion

Florida: Mommy & Thomas

Ready for take off!!!!



Thomas wanted me to hold his hand at first...



Dora the Explorer on his new DVD player helped pass the time on the plane.



The big boy on the airplane:



He got his wings!





Thomas was happy & mommy was happy. We sailed through the airport!


The condo: (a small portion of the 2,500 sq. ft)



First things first... toys and coloring books!







Then, we took the boys outside to play. The weather was so PERFECT!





Sunrise from our balcony!



The first morning we were there, Thomas and I took an early-morning walk down to the ocean. He refused to come down the steps until I picked him up and carried him. How overwhelming the huge ocean must be to a toddler seeing it for the first time!



Thomas & I were getting ready to go down the water slide!



He really didn't like it too much.



But Tyler loved it!

















Toys galore!!



We ate dinner at Mezzeluna Pizzaria! The kids got pizza dough to play with while our pizza was being made! The boys were on their best behavior- and Thomas drank his first sprite... and his second.
















Thomas & Tyler share a BIG hug!!



we finished the morning with some outside play time before leaving for the airport!

TWBA: Surveys says...

This week's blog assignment at The Dressing Room is to fill out this survey.

I am thinking… about what Joe is going to eat while I am gone for 4 days. I know that he won't starve, but I wish I coudl be here to make him yummy meals.

I am thankful for… God's many, many blessings! Right now, my friends Robbie is treating Thomas & I to a 4 day Disney vacation! I can't tell you how bad I need this!
I'm thankful that Joe is so encouraging when it comes to opportunities like this. I am thankful that my parents are keeping Catherine!

From the kitchen… not much is happening today. The only thing I made today was bacon for Thomas.

I am wearing… gray shorts, a hot pink shirt and a ponytail.

I am creating… some memories this week!

I am going… to Florida at 3:30 today!

I am reading… My Heart, Christ's Home by Robert Boyd Munger that my mother-in-law sent me.

I am praying… for our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14)
I am hearing…

Around the house… is every kind of toy you can imagine!

One of my favorite things… is spending time with Joe

A few plans for the rest of the week… toes in the sand....

J & J Organic Berry Farm

We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was 74 degrees and perfectly breezy today! Joe and I took Thomas to pick berries at J & J Organic Berry Farm in Tullahoma, TN. Catherine stayed home with Amy,but she enjoyed the berries when we got home!








We rode on the tailgate to get to where the best berries were!






Let the berry picking fun begin!!




You know I never meet a stranger. We will be having a playdate with little Noah and his Mommy soon, I'm sure!
















My berry-lovin' husband ate more berries on the way home.



Although we were unable to pick any blackberries, we were able to purchase some. I made a delicious cobbler!






Blackberry Cobbler

1 cup butter or margarine, divided
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour*
1/3 cup milk, room temperature
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar

In a 10-in. round or oval baking dish, melt 1/2 cup butter; set aside. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar melts; set aside. Place flour in a mixing bowl; cut in remaining butter until fine crumbs form. Add milk, stirring with a fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. Turn out onto a floured surface; knead three or four times. Roll out to an 11-in. x 9-in. rectangle 1/4 in. thick. Spread berries over dough; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, jelly-roll style. Cut into 1/4-in. thick slices. Carefully lay slices in baking dish over butter. Pour sugar syrup around slices (syrup will be absorbed). Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over top and bake 15 minutes more. Serve warm or cold. (*If self-rising flour is not available, use 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2-1/4 teaspoons baking powder.)